Cancer Diagnostic Tests in Southern Dallas County

We Use State of the Art Imaging Technology

If a screening test or exam points to probable cancer, the next step is
a diagnosis. Much more than a simple yes or no, a concise cancer diagnosis
helps doctors determine which treatment will provide the best results
with the fewest side effects.

Methodist Charlton Medical Center utilizes some of the world's most advanced
diagnostic equipment and has available a team of highly trained medical
professionals.

The technologies used in helping to diagnose cancer include:

Digital Mammography – Digital mammograms are more comfortable and allow physicians to examine
results more efficiently. Images can be generated within seconds and magnified
and manipulated for optimum clarity. Images are then double checked using
the Imagechecker® enhanced breast screening technology.

Ultrasound - During ultrasound or sonography an ultrasound machine sends sound waves
and produces an image of the tissues inside. These images can reveal more
information about tissue in the breast, liver, uterus, and kidneys.

Stereotactic biopsy - Stereotactic biopsy uses an X-ray image to guide a needle into an area
of the breast. The tissue sample is removed through this needle and is
sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. A small amount
of benign breast tissue may also be removed during the biopsy as an alternative
to open biopsy in surgery. This can provide a quicker, less invasive alternative
to surgery with a shorter, less painful recovery and a much smaller cut
in the breast.

Computed tomography (CT) scan - CT scans use special X-rays to capture images of internal organs from
several different angles. The images are sent to a computer, which generates
cross-sections of body tissues and organs. Our rapid CT scanner is the
latest CT equipment available, producing 32 images each second. This speed
improves the clarity and quality of the final image, which allows for
a more accurate diagnosis. CT scans can also be done very comfortably
and quickly, often in as few as seven minutes. The final images show several
types of tissue very clearly, including organs such as the liver, spleen,
pancreas, kidneys, lungs, esophagus, and stomach. CT imaging can uncover
cancers in many parts of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRIs are a preferred cancer screening test because they use magnetic waves
instead of radiation to create detailed pictures of internal structures.
MRIs produce higher quality images than most CT scanners but the tests
are more expensive and take more time.

Interventional radiology – Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that uses
imaging to perform procedures like a CT-guided biopsy or an angiogram.
Mediports can also be placed and removed by interventional radiologists.

Bronchoscopy – This is a direct examination of the airways in the lungs with
a long, thin tube called a bronchoscope that has a tiny light and camera
mounted on it. Bronchoscopy can find tumors, blood clots, structural problems,
and infections.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) – EBUS can detect large lymph nodes in the chest, making it ideal
for diagnosing lung cancer and other lymph node disorders.

Colonoscopy – This procedure is a routine procedure for patients age 50. In this
test, a long, flexible, tube-shaped camera is inserted into the colon.
The camera sends video to a monitor where the physician can look for cancerous
abnormalities.

EGD or upper endoscopy – The reverse of a colonoscopy, in this procedure a camera is inserted
through the path to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

PET Scan – A PET scan is a comprehensive scan that examines the whole body,
providing information on the internal organs and structures. This scan
can highlight cancerous tumors it discovers in the body.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians
on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners
who are not employees or agents of
Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals.

Methodist Medical Group is owned and operated by MedHealth and staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth. The physicians and staff who provide service at this site are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of it's affiliated hospitals.

Methodist Medical Group is owned and operated by MedHealth and staffed
by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth.
The physicians and staff who provide services at this site are not employees
or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.